City councillors will now carry out a 'spotlight' review on the issue before making a recommendation on whether to make the change.

Private hire and Hackney carriage drivers and bus companies will be asked to give evidence for the one-day review, which is set to be carried out within the next two months.

But Stoke-on-Trent City Council's city renewal committee has also asked for other interested parties to be involved in the process.

Committee member Lee Wanger said: "I feel we really need to draw a line under this, it seems like we've been looking at it for a very long time.

"So we should be able to hear from everybody so we can make an informed decision, with everyone having their say.

"I also believe the process should be transparent and open, so members of the public are able to see why we have come to any conclusion."

Interested parties, which could also include Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the NHS, will be invited to make written submissions before the review. Representatives can also give evidence in person on the day.

Councillor Mark Meredith said: "I think other groups should be involved. Representatives of town centre businesses and the City Centre Partnership.

"We should also have contributions from the emergency services."

Private hire drivers believe there is no reason why their cars should be barred from bus lanes when Hackney carriages can use them.

But highways officers have suggested that if the city's 1,200 drivers were allowed to access bus lanes it could result in more accidents.

Bus companies have also claimed it would have an impact on the reliability of services.

Dave Currie, regional secretary of the PHA, said: "I would have liked to have seen a full task to finish review on this issue so it could be properly explored."

4 comments

Mr Wanger thank you my auntie lives in tunstall & she says you do a sterling job & people who think its childs play being a councillor are very much mistaken, it takes many hours & dedication ..keep up the good work, & thank you once again..

There is a more simple solution than trying to appease private hire drivers and that is ban both then and Hackney carriage drivers from bus lanes. Hackneys' current ability to use them serves no purpose and is unneccesary as taxis generate even more pollution than the private car, given that half the journeys they make are empty.